Teen girl seriously injured in Centereach accident

An 18-year-old Centereach girl suffered serious injuries after a car she was riding in struck a tree on Nicolls Road in Centereach late Tuesday. Another passenger suffered what police called "non-life-threatening injuries," while two others were treated for minor injuries.

Suffolk County police said Sarah Vehrs of 2 Jonas Boulevard was seriously injured when Michael Leuci, 17, of 3 Premier Court, Port Jefferson Station, lost control of his 2002 Ford Taurus, veered off the road and collided with the tree near the intersection of Hawkins Avenue at 11:29 p.m. Tuesday. Police said Leuci, who was headed southbound at the time, told them a 1999 Toyota Camry traveling alongside his vehicle struck his car -- causing him to lose control.

However, police said that the Camry did not appear to be damaged -- and that the driver and four passengers in the car told them the vehicle did not strike the Taurus. Police said the Camry and Taurus were both impounded for a safety inspection.

Police said Vehrs was riding in the backseat when the crash occurred. Another passenger in the rear seat, identified by police as Hector Gonzalez, 18, of Coram, was ejected -- but suffered "non-life-threatening injuries." All of the injured were taken to Stony Brook University Medical Center, police said. No one in the Camry was injured.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact Sixth Squad detectives at 631-852-8652 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. All calls will remain confidential, police said.